What are the causes of high white blood cell count?
Jul 19, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
1. Infection factors: bacterial infections can lead to elevated white blood cell counts, especially local inflammation and systemic infections caused by pyogenic cocci.
2. Hematological diseases: in general, patients with leukemia have white blood cell counts dozens of times higher than normal levels.
3. Physiological factors: such as intense exercise, prolonged exposure to cold air in winter, after a heavy meal, or following a shower.
In general, elevated white blood cell count may be caused by stress response, pregnancy, bacterial infection, viral infection, myelodysplastic syndrome, and other factors. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Stress Response
The stress response activates the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, promoting the secretion of adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones stimulate the maturation and release of white blood cells from the bone marrow, increasing the number of circulating white blood cells. Special treatment is usually not required. Avoiding excessive stress and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits—such as regular sleep patterns, moderate exercise, and a balanced diet—can help maintain normal white blood cell levels.
2. Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the maternal immune system must be enhanced to protect the fetus from infections while simultaneously preventing the mother's immune system from attacking the fetus. As a result, the bone marrow increases white blood cell production to meet these additional immune demands. No specific treatment is typically needed. Regular prenatal check-ups and monitoring of white blood cell counts are important to ensure the health of both mother and baby.
3. Bacterial Infection
Bacterial infections may result from consuming food or water contaminated with bacteria. These infections trigger an inflammatory response and activate the immune system, prompting the bone marrow to rapidly produce white blood cells, leading to an elevated white blood cell count. Symptoms may include fever, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Treatment may include medications such as ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets, amoxicillin capsules, or compound diphenoxylate tablets, as prescribed by a doctor.
4. Viral Infection
Viral infections may occur due to decreased immunity or exposure to infected individuals. They activate the adaptive immune response, causing an increase in white blood cell count to recognize and eliminate the virus. Symptoms may include fever, muscle pain, and fatigue. Treatment may include medications such as loperamide hydrochloride capsules, acyclovir tablets, or emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets, as directed by a physician.
5. Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Myelodysplastic syndrome may be caused by unhealthy lifestyle habits, genetic factors, and others. In this condition, mutations occur in bone marrow stem cells, leading to abnormal production of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets, resulting in increased white blood cell counts. Symptoms may include anemia, bleeding tendencies, and recurrent infections. Treatment may involve medications such as thalidomide tablets, lenalidomide capsules, or cyclosporine capsules, as prescribed by a doctor.
Maintain good personal hygiene, bathe regularly, and change clothes frequently to prevent infections. Additionally, during and after treatment, it is important to have regular follow-up tests for white blood cell count and other relevant indicators to monitor disease progression and treatment effectiveness.
